7 Helpful Questions To Ask A Pediatrician During Infancy Stages

Write down questions to ask pediatrician before leaving the hospital with your new baby. When you bring a new life into the world, you may feel equally excited and scared. Questions about your child’s development and health will come up as he or she grows. Having these questions answered will give you peace of mind when you start the next chapter in your life.

7 Helpful Questions To Ask A Pediatrician About Your Baby

In this article:

• Should I Feed My Baby on a Schedule?
• Does My Baby Need Supplements?
• How Often Should I Visit During the First Month?
• How Should My Baby Sleep?
• What is a Normal Sleeping Pattern?
• How Do I Change a Diaper?
• What Do I Do with the Umbilical Cord?

Should I Feed My Baby on a Schedule?

Before you leave the hospital, talk about feeding your baby. A pediatrician will recommend a strategy based on your situation. Breastfeeding mothers have a different experience when compared to formula feeding parents. You cannot measure your baby’s intake of breast milk but, as a breastfeeding parent you will be able to feel how full or empty you are after feeding. You should also avoid a feeding schedule initially to ensure your baby has enough to eat. Look for signs that your baby is hungry. If you are not sure about the signs of hunger in an infant, then discuss the situation with a doctor.

Formula feeding allows you to measure your child’s food intake. This allows you to set a feeding schedule based on your baby’s caloric needs and health. Talk to a pediatrician about the benefits and downsides of a feeding schedule.

Does My Baby Need Supplements?

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Supplements are not always necessary for a newborn infant. In some situations, a doctor may recommend a specific vitamin supplement. Vitamin D deficiencies are a concern for newborns. This is because breast milk does not always provide enough vitamin D for your baby. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

How Often Should I Visit The Doctor During the First Month?

Questions to ask pediatrician during the first month depend on the situation. Talk to your pediatrician about a schedule before you leave the hospital. A schedule depends on your baby’s health.

During the discussion, a doctor will explain what to expect during the first visit. Focus on questions to ask your pediatrician that address your specific concerns. Ask about vaccinations, check-ups, and signs of a problem. A doctor may suggest one or two visits in the first month. In some cases, your doctor may recommend more visits for your baby’s health.

How Should My Baby Sleep?

Sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, is a concern for every new parent. Discuss sleeping safety with a doctor before you bring a child home. Ask about how to reduce the risks for your baby. You should ask questions about every aspect of your baby’s sleeping arrangements. If you plan to put your baby in a bassinet, then ask about bassinet safety. Talk about when to move a baby to a crib.

Discuss sleeping arrangements anywhere you consider allowing your child to sleep throughout your home. You should also ask about ways to keep your baby safe on a bed or couch. Do not assume that your baby is safe from SIDS without taking proper precautions. Discuss sleeping positions and risk factors to reduce the possibility of SIDS.

What is a Normal Sleeping Pattern?

A newborn baby’s sleeping patterns are not always easy to understand. The average newborn infant sleeps up to 16 hours per day. Specific patterns differ between children. You have to make sure that your baby will feel comfortable when he or she sleeps or takes a nap. If you have any concerns about a baby’s sleeping patterns, then talk to a pediatrician.

How Do I Change a Diaper?

Newborns are delicate. You may have questions about caring for a baby’s hygiene. Ask about changing and cleaning your child. Also, discuss any concerns about what to expect when you change a baby’s diaper. Keep in mind that a newborn infant may need ten or more diaper changes in one day.

Pay particular attention to the color of your child’s bowel movements. If you notice red stool, talk to your pediatrician. You should also inform your pediatrician if a newborn’s stool is white or black. All three colors may suggest a health concern in some rare situations.

What Do I Do with the Umbilical Cord?

The small portion of the umbilical cord that remains after birth falls off within two to three weeks. As a new parent, you may have concerns about cleanliness and managing the cord until it falls off. Discuss the process with a pediatrician to avoid any health risks. Look for any signs of an infection from the umbilical cord. If you notice oozing, pus or a rash, then talk to your pediatrician.

You may want to ask a pediatrician about your baby’s respiratory health. Find out what you can do when your baby is coughing in the video below!

Caring for a newborn child is understandably challenging for first-time parents. You will have several questions about the health of your baby. You will also have concerns about caring for a child. The key to keeping your baby healthy is staying in contact with a pediatrician. Do not worry about asking questions. Clarify details about keeping your baby safe before you leave the hospital.

Finding a pediatrician that will be there for you every step of the way is important. Have you asked your pediatrician everything you need to know about your new-born baby? Share your experience below!

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